Atiku Abubakar paid a courtesy visit to Rotimi Amaechi on Thursday at the former minister's Abuja home. The two men are political rivals who contested for the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket.
Atiku won that primary race decisively. He secured 1,846,370 votes against Amaechi's 504,117 votes and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen's 177,120 votes.
Despite the keenly contested primary, Atiku used X to explain the purpose of his visit. He said the meeting centered on Nigeria's mounting challenges and the need for unity.
According to him, they discussed the nation's economic hardship and security crisis. Both men agreed patriotic citizens must join forces to tackle these problems, he noted.
Atiku also seized the opportunity to celebrate Amaechi's birthday. He joked about Arsenal's recent victory, knowing his host is a devoted Gunners fan.
In his words: "We had deep and honest conversations about the troubling state of our nation, the growing economic pain, insecurity, and the urgent responsibility on patriotic Nigerians to continue engaging in the search for solutions."
Amaechi received the banter warmly and in good spirits. He appreciated Atiku's birthday wishes, the former vice president indicated.
Before leaving, Amaechi promised to prepare Fisherman Soup for Atiku's next visit. He joked that he didn't have enough time to prepare this Rivers delicacy during Thursday's meeting.
